Steady Whatsin ready to run the full mile

Trainer Dean Mirfin says the timing is right to give consistent mare Whatsin a chance to prove herself over a mile at Warwick Farm on Wednesday and he’s been backed by the advice of in-form apprentice Reece Jones.

The six-year-old has recorded successive second placings over 1400m at Warwick Farm and it was after her latest, two weeks ago when narrowly beaten by Running Bear, Mirfin saw an opportunity and sees no reason why she won’t hold her form in the Furphy Handicap (1600m).

Mirfin and Jones, who is coming off a Group 2 win last weekend, will also combine in Saturday’s $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships Final with De Forerunner after he secured a last-minute place in the field when fellow Bathurst galloper Possibly So was ruled out with injury.

“I spoke to Reece after [Whatsin] ran the other day about stepping up to the mile, and he said that would really suit her,” he said.

“We’ve got the right kind of race, it’s a fortnight between runs again, and she’s in good order and likes the sting out of the ground.

“It’s worth a go, I think she is suited to 1400m where there’s speed on and she can hit the line, but I’ll take Reece’s advice on board so if we are ever going to have another go at a mile this is the time.

“I think she will run it. He’s a good judge, so we’ll take his word.”

Whatsin has raced twice at 1600m and once at 1800m and performed below expectation but Mirfin believes the form she’s racing in at present warrants another shot. Particularly given the way she’s returned in 2023, kicking off with a win and progressing to her recent city placings.